July 29, 2026 -- Proverbs 13:21 -- What's pursuing you?

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Disaster pursues sinners,
but the righteous are rewarded with good.
Proverbs 13:21ESV
 
In the original language disaster is the word “evil”. Disaster is a sort of summary word to describe the kinds of evil that overtake those who have given themselves over to their sins. The word can mean injury. Think of it, how often a man toying with sin will injure himself. The drunk behind the wheel. The flirty office worker who takes it a step too far and fatally injures a marriage. Another translation of evil is misery. The result of sin is always misery. Though sin may seem pleasurable, the consequences of it always lead to estrangement from God, from others, while whipping up estrangement to one’s own soul in the form of self-loathing turmoil.
 
A sinner who has given himself or herself up to sin will find that troubles, evils, misery and disasters pursue them. It is an interesting word choice. In the famous psalm, there is a concluding line that reads: “surely goodness and mercy shall follow [pursue] me all the days of the life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Psalm 23:6 ESV). The same word, pursue, is used in Psalm 23 as is used in Proverbs 13:21. Like a relentless hound of hell, evil and injury, misery and distress will dog the heels of the sinner. However, the one who has bound himself up in service to the LORD will find that blessings of the LORD, that is the goodness of our Father, will not let him go. More dogged than evil ever could be, the infinite loving mercy and kindness of the LORD will chase down the one who trusts in Him.
 
Wait a minute. How can man who has sinned ever find hope? We’re all sinners. We’ve all created misery for ourselves through our sinning. Yes, that is true. Wait. Then what puts a stop to it our sinning and the dogged pursuit of its consequences and ensuing disasters? Our Good Shepherd Jesus finds us, rescues us and restores our soul. As you likely know, I am a prison visiting pastor. I meet with men whose dedication to evil has landed them in prison. Abandoned by family. Because they got caught, they’re scoffed at by their former companions. Marked by society because of their crimes they now bear the stigma of being a prisoner. Beloved, even so, there is a glorious truth that shines out from the pages of Scripture: “the righteous are rewarded with good”.
 
Listen to the glorious words of hope “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” I John 1:9. He cleanses us, scrubs us clean of all our unrighteousness. He takes sinners and makes them saints in Christ! If you’re not standing, clapping, stomping your feet, with whistles and cheering then there’s something wrong with you, dude!
 
Oh, make no mistake about it, the consequences of our former sins still haunt us. People will have long memories. Even Christians can act like church bouncers preventing the penitent from going to church. But God receives His prodigals home. God’s Spirit works in the heart of the one who confesses so that sin becomes sinfully distasteful to them and they begin to walk in the way of salvation. God calls such confessing-of-their-sins men and women sons and daughters. Such repentant men and women, who know the scorn of others, are now caught by the pursuing—the chasing them down until it catches them and envelops them—love of God. Such former sinners, now made righteous in Christ, are the strongest witnesses to the mercy of God. They are humbled by the kindness of the pursuing King of Glory, and therefore they persistently, willingly, patiently, share His love. The reward of the righteous is knowing God the Father has made them righteous through the costly blood of Jesus. The reward of the righteous is knowing though friends and family forsake me, my Father in heaven now calls me beloved and He has given me His Spirit so that I can never be left to my own devices ever again. The reward of the righteous is living in such deep and true community that fellow Christians will celebrate your successes and the moment they see you heading down a wrong path, will call you back in love, and point out to you that persistent, relentless, pursuing love of God that will capture you and bring you all the good He intends.
 
O LORD, my Shepherd,
thank You for Your love which chases me down.
Thank You, for the glorious gift of Jesus Christ,
   in Whom I am given a righteousness, that is not my own.
Thank You, for the Holy Spirit, placed in me,
   By Whom I may know I am bound by the cords of Your love;
   that rich blessedness of every good given in Christ
   deposited in me and better-than-a-bank-vault safe in me by the same Spirit.
As one who is saved and so richly blessed,
   send me out as an ambassador of Jesus’ love. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/ILpLIcuWwPA?si=lPl4cs6ae0Z4NhXZ “Your Grace Still Amazes Me”
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

July 28, 2026 -- Isaiah 39:4-8 -- It matters when you pray or when you neglect to do so

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

4 He said, “What have they seen in your house?” Hezekiah answered, “They have seen all that is in my house. There is nothing in my storehouses that I did not show them.”
5 Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the Lord of hosts: 6 Behold, the days are coming, when all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have stored up till this day, shall be carried to Babylon. Nothing shall be left, says the Lord. 7 And some of your own sons, who will come from you, whom you will father, shall be taken away, and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.” 8 Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the Lord that you have spoken is good.” For he thought, “There will be peace and security in my days.” Isaiah 39:4-8 ESV
 
This is a strange little episode in the life of King Hezekiah. The LORD had given His mighty protection to King Hezekiah his people, after the King of Babylon had conquered most of the walled cities of Judah. Then when it seemed all might be lost, the LORD struck down 185,000 soldiers in the enemy camp. The enemy king escaped and returned to his own country. His own sons assassinated him. After that, King Hezekiah became sick to the point of death, but the LORD granted him recovery. God granted him 15 more years of life. Then our text is next in the sequence of events. It was afterwards that Manasseh would born. He becomes one of the most wicked kings in Judah. I wonder, did the pitilessness of his father, revealed in our passage today, factor into this?
 
Consider that King Hezekiah was okay having peace in his lifetime and seemed to be okay with the fact that his sons would suffer great hardship. Great King Hezekiah who’d been so faithful in prayer when attacked, and then later urgent in prayer when his own health was threatened, did not engage in urgent prayer when his children were threatened. He’d take the throne as an adolescent of 12-years-old. I wonder, did Manasseh grow up knowing his father was so self-absorbed, caring only that there’d be peace in his own reign, that he resented his father’s lack of concern for his future?
 
It puts a new light for me on the reign of Manasseh. He is responsible for his own sins, absolutely. And he is fighting the neglect of his father’s final years. Dad obviously focused on the final years of his reign, his own peace, but it seems during that time did not prepare his young son for the hardships to come. But there are a few lessons. God is in charge. God hears the prayers of His people (even wicked King Manasseh, when he is exiled, will cry out to God and be heard and restored to his throne!). The impact of a father’s prayers (or lack of prayers) in the life of his children and children’s children.
 
As New Testament Christians, we are reminded of the intercession of the Spirit within us, groaning with our groans, bringing our inexpressible thoughts and worries to Jesus. Jesus is our mediator before the Father. We have a faithful advocate, one Who loves us, prays for our good, even as His blood is ever reconciling us to our Father in heaven. We know whatever deficits exist in our past, in our present, or we will face, the LORD our God is mighty to save.
 
Be pleased, O LORD, to continue Your work in me. I cling to Your promise, “He Who began a good work you will certainly bring it to completion”. Thank You for the Holy Spirit given to me, guarding the rich deposit of salvation. O Father, You have delivered my life from the pit of destruction, and You have cast all my sins behind Your back! Therefore, the living thank You all the days of their lives. The living will bless You, O Triune God, from this day into eternity. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/XIpnW3rtRQ4?si=Q-YYuTE4dqjwOeFO Psalm 73 The Sons of Korah
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

July 27, 2026 -- Proverbs 13:20 -- Show me your friends and I'll tell you what you're up to

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
Proverbs 13:20 ESV
 
Who are the wise? Those who are humble, teachable, and tremble at the Word of God. The wise also recognize others who walk in wisdom’s ways. The word wise can also mean skillful. The implication is someone who is wise unto God is skillful in knowing the word; competent in navigating complicated social situations without compromise, and able to apply the Word to his life so that he will avoid what merely appears good, but is in fact the start of an evil way.
 
The wise walk with the wise. They share the same path. They are headed in the same direction. They are walking with God (see Deuteronomy 5:33; Micah 6:8) first and foremost and then they are companions to those who walk with God. While you walk, you talk, you share the same goals. You delight in God and delight in the company of fellow believers.
 
Those who are called fools are those who do not learn from the consequences of sin because they are “filled with trouble” (Proverbs 12:21). Worse still, such men and women are welded to their sin, as we’re told “to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools” (Proverbs 13:19). If you realize you are a companion of fools, be warned! Joining them in their sin and folly is the pathway to destruction and subjecting yourself to the wrath of God. Conversely, if you find yourself to among fools be a missionary, an ambassador of God making His appeal to them through Jesus. Do not join them in their wicked ways, but speak to them the word of life.
 
Since a fool will suffer harm, and his companions if unscathed will abandon him, you can minister to one who is abandoned and in distress. Make the most of every opportunity to be a minister of God’s grace. While you minister to those who are in great distress, those who are fools in their ways, stay accountable to men and women who are wise, so that you yourself do not compromise or wind up walking with them in their foolishness.
 
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Your Spirit directs me as an ambassador representing Jesus the King, I pray as I go, guard me in the way of the wise. As I serve You by helping others, keep me from their sin and folly. Thank You, Mighty God, for the companions in Christ You have given me. Help us to walk in such true Christian love and deep community, that others will be drawn to Christ through our witness. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/PLpB-dE2DHM?si=4w8c0xaBuNa6XphQ Lead Me, Guide Me
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

July 24, 2024 -- Romans 8:23-27 -- Fabulously Rich

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:23-28
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025).
 
Imagine this scenario, a seventeen-year-old child inherits a billion dollars. He is fabulously rich. His wise, though now deceased parents, thoughtfully provided for him a yearly stipend, plus provided for all his living expenses, but he won’t have full access to all the money until he is twenty-five. Legally he is rich, but the full access to his inheritance isn’t available to him for a while yet. It sort of describes how we are now in Christ. We have an inheritance that can not fade, perish, spoil, or be stolen from us. It is guaranteed to us in Christ. Plus, right now, the Spirit is given as our guardian; to help us live into the riches we have supplied to us for everyday life.
Like an immature seventeen-year-old, with too much money, and not enough sense, we need the Holy Spirit to direct our thinking, to guide us in fully understanding this fabulous wealth that is ours. Unlike that seventeen-year-old, our Father in heaven is very much alive. He instructs us by His Word. Reconciles us to Himself though the blood of Jesus Christ. Draws us into fellowship with Himself through prayer and Bible reading, and interaction with other Christians.
 
Spirit of the Living God guide me by Your presence, and the Word, to truly know my Father, and understand all that is already mine in Christ. Direct me, as prince of the kingdom, as one who is unimaginably rich, to live in wonder-filled obedience to King Jesus. As You have equipped me with every spiritual blessing in Christ, help me to comprehend I am already now a child of God. Though for now I am living in a world that rejects Jesus and therefore hates those who are children of the Father through Him, endlessly remind me that I have everything necessary for life and godliness. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/qyUPz6_TciY?si=30Viaf_vMuhwBsU1 Though You Slay Me
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

July 22, 2026 -- Ephesians 1:7-10 -- What does it mean to call Jesus King?

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of His will, according to His purpose, which He set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Him, things in heaven and things on earth. Ephesians 1:7-10 ESV

Did you know that LeBron James earned the nickname “the King” of basketball? Steven King has been called the King of Horror because of his riveting novels and films celebrating that genre. Aretha Franklin was called “the Queen of Soul”. Funny, isn’t it? I mean very few people would acknowledge a king, like say, King Charles III. But the heart still wants a king. Someone who is accomplished. Someone who is admired. Someone who commands attention. So, in very secular, very worldly ways, people find their own kings and queens and leaders to admire. Unfortunately, such men and women fail. Are very narrow in their scope of ability. Not one of them can bear the weight of adoration and praise. It is crushing. It is undeserved.

Ah, now look, listen, the Bible has crowned the true King of Heaven and Earth. His Name is Jesus. What has He done? Why is He worthy?

• In King Jesus believers have their sins forgiven

• In King Jesus God’s glorious love and mighty power are revealed

• In King Jesus all enemies are defeated as He united Heaven and Earth—that is all things are working out according to God’s perfect plans so that one day all evil will be thrown down, utterly defeated and not even a distant memory.

• In King Jesus believers have the power to resist temptation to sin.

• In King Jesus believers are given the Holy Spirit so that the Bible becomes rich, interesting, and the one true guide for life.

• In King Jesus people are not frightening, despots, bullies, but are either adding to their list of charges which means at the end of time, when He returns as the perfect Judge of all people, they will be thrown into the fires of hell and tormented for eternity. God’s holiness demands that.

• In King Jesus believers know their sins have been punished at the cross on His Person, and believers are free to submit to Jesus and serve Him with awe and obedience and love. It is a life of thankful service to the One Who freed us from hell, Who has blessed us with a heavenly Father, and guards us from evil through the Spirit living in us.

• In King Jesus the new heavens and the new earth are opened wide and believers know beyond a shadow of a doubt they will spend eternity in the blessedness of His presence.

• In King Jesus you are, right now, known by God, and deeply loved.

Blessed are You, God our Father! We praise You with awe and wonder for the gift of Jesus, the King of Glory. Blessed are You, Father and Son, for the great and gracious gift of the Holy Spirit, through Whom we have access to this wide array of blessings. Thank You, Spirit of God, for revealing Jesus to us. Thank You Spirit of God for instructing us through the Bible. Thank You, Spirit of God, for giving us teachers and preachers who explain to us the greatness of our God. Thank You, Triune God, that in Christ Jesus, You are uniting heaven and earth so that one day, with our very own eyes, we will be see and shout, “Living for You, serving You, denying ourselves and our selfish desires, being loved by You and loving You—it was worth it all!” Amen.

https://youtu.be/GbPwlplQc7Y?si=J2Cvvh31ZbK-YXL5 Worthy of It All

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

July 21, 2026 -- Proverbs 13:19 -- What is your sweetest desire?

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

19  A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools. Proverbs 13:19
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025).
 
Jesus declared, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Jesus Himself modeled self-denial. He left His throne in heaven, walked the earth as a man, and turned away from every evil, every temptation, eschewing any wicked path. Fools mock such self-denial. The self-interested won’t keep the path of such obedience—they’d rather be enslaved to the dictates of the world and slaves to their own flesh.
 
What drove Jesus? To discover this, according to Hebrews, we are “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). Even the depths of torment He’d endure at the cross paled in comparison with His desire to be next to His Father in heaven. The Father loves the Son and the Spirit, the Son loves the Spirit and the Father, and the Spirit loves the Father and the Son. Jesus desired such perfect communion in the unity of the Being of God. While on earth, in the flesh, He pursued God with all He had.
 
Jesus’ desire is to please the Father. It motivated Him. Kept Him on track pursuing the Father’s good pleasure, even when the Devil threw at Him the most delectable of temptations. Even when Jesus had no where to lay His head, He desired to be praying to, worshipping, living for the Father. That is the desire fulfilled which is sweet to the soul. G. K. Chesterton famously stated, "The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and left untried." As I’ve heard it: Christianity has not been tried and found hard, it has been found hard and left untried. Look how Hebrews states it (I’ll wait while you re-read it in the passage already quoted. Seriously, read it again.) Jesus was all in. 100% committed to His Father, so the inevitable hardships of life did not throw Him off. He expected these. Prepared for these by being steeped in the Word. More that that, He resisted every temptation to any evil because He was desiring the sweetness of fellowship with His Father. He desired the sweetness of community with His Father; sweetness that would be produced through the strenuous, unrelenting pursuit of such fellowship through-out His life.
 
Think about the things you’ve spent a lot of money pursuing. Alcohol. Sex. Attention. Love. Retirement. A cottage. The inevitable experience is that anything pursued and gained, will never satisfy. It produces a greater drive for more, which reveals even greater emptiness and less time in life to fulfill bottomless, hollow, dreams. Those who through Jesus pursue deep intimacy with the Father in heaven will find their desire fulfilled, and re-filled, overflowing, full-measure and sweet to the soul.
 
Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Amen
(prayer is quotation of Psalm 73:25-26 ESV)
 
https://youtu.be/XIpnW3rtRQ4?si=MY8p5_RmRb2kDzSR Sons of Korah — Psalm 73

 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

July 19, 2026 -- Proverbs 13:14 -- Snaring temptations and freedom

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

14  The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
that one may turn away from the snares of death. Proverbs 13:14
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025).
 
Snares are traps designed to catch small animals. For instance, you snare a rabbit. There is a wire loop that catches the rabbit unawares. It loops around the rabbit’s neck or his body and tightens. The rabbit is either held in place, or, if the loop is around the neck, tightens until it dies. In the New Testament the word temptation is the word snare. Isn’t that telling? Temptations to sin are snares which hold you and begin to strangle you. Sadly, the Bible teaches us that many of our snares come from within our own wicked minds. Plus, snaring temptations are set by the world, as they seek to invite you to join in their dissipation.
 
A word to the wise. Examine your own mind, reasons for acting and urges. As the Reformer John Calvin wrote so long ago, our minds are idol factories. Basically, we snare ourselves by our desires and choke ourselves off from God. Rev. Dr. Richard Keyes, expanding on that idea writes:
            The natural human response to the true God after the Fall is rebellion
            and avoidance. Sin predisposes us to want to be independent of God,
            to be laws unto ourselves, to be autonomous, so that we can do what 
            we want without bowing to His authority. At the most basic level, idols
            are what we make out of the evidence of God within ourselves and in
            the world—if we do not want to face the face of God Himself in His
            majesty and holiness. Rather than look to the Creator and have to deal
            with His lordship, we orient ourselves towards creations, where we can
            be more free to control and shape our lives in our desired direction.
            However, since we were made to relate to God, but do not want to face
            Him, we forever inflate things in this world to religious proportions to
            fill the vacuum left by God’s exclusion.”
            Richard Keyes “The Idol Factory” (as quoted in Gospel Treason. Brad
            Bigney, page 31)
So, are you getting yourself caught up in your sins? Are you trapped by what you’re thinking, and snared by your planning? Turn to Jesus. He is your Rescue. He is the trap-exposing, chain-breaking, Savior of His people. Gather with God’s people. Get clean. Be honest. Find freedom so that sinful snares are exposed and deflated. Worship the Living God, so that in Him the religious vacuum you’d otherwise experience is filled. As one who receives the teaching of the wise you will live in the full joy of knowing Him Who made you and you will accomplish the purposes for which He made you. What an adventure that is.
 
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

https://youtu.be/A3U0G7OiKJw?si=T-OoztLIxAf7qkxb And Can It Be?

 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

July 18, 2026 -- Proverbs 13:14 -- Thirsty souls revived

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

14  The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
that one may turn away from the snares of death. Proverbs 13:14
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025)
 
Interestingly, that term “fountain of life” has been used before, “[T]he mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life” Proverbs 10:11a. While reading this verse, and our verse today, I immediately think of Jesus, when He taught the Samaritan woman at the well. He called Himself “living water” and “the water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:10,14).
 
In Proverbs, the term “fountain” means a spring of water that is pure and reliably flows in a region where intermittent streams and riverbeds are common. It is good to know that Israel is a land that is classified as semi-arid. There are just enough rains for crops to grow well; but to speak of a fountain of water is to speak of life, of sufficiency, of God’s great provision.
 
Jesus Christ is for us living water. Jesus is for us life-giving. Our thirsty souls drink deeply from the well of salvation and know abundance and know joy. The hot days of summer mean that we are often thirsty. Even just a cup of water is a great blessing. Life in a world where sin is thirst-causing and the philosophies all around us are bone dry, leading to a gasping, parched death, the offer of living water, and constantly flowing soul-refreshment truly is a huge blessing.
 
Are you spiritually dry? You might be more dehydrated than you even realize. Thirst can sneak up on you that way! Turn to Jesus.
 
Are you chasing after one unsatisfactory thing after another? Let the Spirit of God teach you through the Word, so that the wise teaching of Jesus will be a spring of living water ever welling up in you to eternal life.
 
The blessedness of such thirst-quenching, soul-reviving goodness will reveal the chalky, dustiness of the world’s temptations for what they really are, ridiculous, and soul desiccating. The one who drinks the living water Jesus supplies will be so delighted, he can not be tempted by the dryness of this arid world. Turn to Jesus and drink deeply from the well of salvation.
 
Faithful Father, thank You for the rich supply of salvation, that living water welling up in us to eternal life, freely given to us in Jesus. Thank You for the Holy Spirit Who daily supplies our souls with such refreshment through Jesus. Forgive us for our wanderings, going after all the things of this world that could never satisfy us. As I have been instructed in words of life, let my words and my actions be a witness to others, a fountain of life leading others to Jesus. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/RZNOYmwiKCs?si=rQ0QhjcQnYkompYK Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

July 17, 2026 -- Proverbs 13:13 -- Obedience blessed

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself;
but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.
Proverbs 13:13 ESV
 
How do people despise the word?

• By ignoring it, and letting it sit on the shelf, unread

• By reading it and deciding what part to obey and what part they won’t submit to.

• By refusing to attend the preaching of the word

• By refusing the godly advice of mature brothers

• By wilfully sinning against the clear commands of the LORD.

The word itself has built into it consequences for disobedience. For example, a Christian woman who marries a man who is not a Christian will be dragged away from her faith. But more than this even, the word teaches “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked” (Galatians 6:7) all your sinful actions are like seeds which will sprout evil in your life. Any violation of the word of God will be planting self-destruction into your world.
 
The promise of God is that the one who fears God, and therefore obeys His commandments, will be rewarded. The fear of God

• is greater than the fear of man.

• is living in reverent obedience, no matter the earthly consequences,

• is dearer to the man of God than all that the world purports to offer

• is allowing the impact of the word of God to be worked out into every part of your life

• is teaching the way of righteousness to the next generation

 
In Isaiah 11 the gift of the seven-fold Spirit, that is, the Holy Spirit, poured out into the life of the believer, is described this way:
And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him,
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might
the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.
And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. Isaiah 11:2-3a ESV
What a glorious description of the man, of the woman, of the child, who walks with Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. Knowing God is the greatest reward. Eschewing evil is the most basic part of obedience to God, but it will not be sustainable unless one understands the foundation of the Christian life. The LORD promises, I will be your God, and you will be My people—that is the greatest treasure of life. That is what prompts a Christian to revere (fear the LORD), obey, and even delight in the word of God. In submission to the word, at the end of all obedience is relationship with the Author of the word. Such sustained obedience to the One Who perfects true obedience results in godly living which is full joy and purpose.
 
Great Father, when You told Moses to lead Israel into the Promised Land, but that You would not go with them, Moses refused. He declared “If Your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here” (Exodus 33:15). Mighty God, if Moses knew enough to say in the wilderness with You, rather than go up to a beautiful land flowing with milk and honey if it meant Your Presence wouldn’t be there, then God of majesty and splendor, keep me in the place of hardship where You are, rather than allowing me to wander to places where Your Presence won’t be the rich blessing and the anchor of all of life. Teach me the path of obedience which is also the only way to fullness of life with You, fullness of the joy for which I was created, and extravagant hope for tomorrow wherein You are my all-in-all. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/FSHe-kibZDg?si=dDY4PWz09ohdBgXO Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

July 14, 2026 -- Ecclesiastes 4:5 -- What is idleness? Why is it so devastating?

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh.
Ecclesiastes 4:5 ESV
 
Those words were like an electric shock to me. (TBH first I needed to figure out what they meant. But the sentence was so unusual I did a bit of digging and then the electricity of it hit me.) Remember that Solomon writes these words for believers. A fool, that is someone who says in his heart there is no god (Psalm 14:1), can in the scriptures also be a description of someone who is acting foolishly. That is, who knows better, but is acting like a non-believer.
 
To fold one’s hands is to be idle. My grade 9 English teacher loved idioms and pithy sayings. One he quoted often is “idleness is the Devil’s workshop” (which he applied to students who had not completed their homework!). That idiom likely is a summary of varied verses like Proverbs 10:4, 16:27, II Thessalonians 3:10-12. In this instance folded hands are NOT praying hands, but evidence that one refuses to work.
 
Of course, the big question is, what does it mean that the lazy man “eats his own flesh”? It means he begins to torment himself. The longer he is lazy, or doing nothing, the more his racing mind begins to spin out. His anger gets whipped up. His self-loathing is stirred up. His mind thinks about injustices and wrongs committed against him, even as he is just sitting there and wasting God’s precious gifts of time, and opportunities for good, and talents to exercise them. He is oblivious to how he is insulting God and ignoring his duties to service.
 
In context, a Christian man or woman, does well to dedicate his day and his play to the LORD. He may be tempted to idleness and rehearsing wrongs committed against himself, but he will not luxuriate in these. He puts a stop to such idleness by asking the LORD, in view of the great love You have shown me in Christ, how shall I live for You today? Who should I forgive? Who needs comfort, or instruction, or of the fixing help a handy man? Then, use the abilities you have for the glory of God. You’ll stir yourself from eating your own flesh. You’ll stop the hamster wheel of useless thoughts. You’ll begin to see the people around you as real, people, needy and broken as you are. You’ll see how the grace of God is something you’ve been given, and such grace as you’ve received you have the privilege of administering to those around you. What a glorious God we serve!
 
I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun. Witnessed the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them! The oppressors seemed to have all the power, and the oppressed seemed to have no one to comfort them. I was tempted to sit and grow in my frustration. Instead of wasting time that way, by the intervening grace of Your Spirit, I considered Your Word and Your ways, O God of Glory. As You have rescued me in Christ, and given me life and purpose, You have furthermore blessed me with the power to share these gifts by Your dynamic Spirit living in me. Therefore, I pray to You, Mighty God, excite in me a new enthusiasm to serve You. Amen.
 
(The first two sentences of today’s prayer are a variation of Ecclesiastes 4:1)
 
https://youtu.be/JZUxy6WSS_M?si=8wfwJELECt0McDzk Thine is the Kingdom
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

July 13, 2026 -- Proverbs 13:12 -- What's happening to the hope in your heart?

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
Proverbs 13:12 ESV
 
When I meet with prisoners, one of the most prominent features of their life is their lack of hope. Prison squeezes hope out of them. When there is a parole hearing, some of the guys feel hope rise in them for the first time in a long time. Maybe they’ll get out. Maybe things will be different. Maybe. When the meeting with the Parole Board takes place, if it is a decision against granting the inmate parole that is handed down, the man is crushed. His hope is deferred, dragged away and placed far out of his reach. The depressing discouragement that follows is hard to see. I am sure all of us can relate. Something longed for was snatched away.
 
Today’s passage reminds us that believers have their hope firmly anchored in Jesus. Their hope is not for retirement or riches, family times or accolades. Look at the second line of today’s proverb. The tree of life might ring bells reminding you of Genesis. In the Garden of Eden God planted the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Adam and Eve sinned and ate of it). God the Father threw Adam and Eve out of the Garden before they could eat of the Tree of Life. A mighty angel with a flaming sword guarded the entrance to Eden so no one could enter. After the Flood, the Garden of Eden was swept away. However, the Tree of Life is referred to in other places in the Bible.
In Proverbs “she [wisdom] is a tree of life to all who lay hold of her” (3:18). Then we read “The fruit of righteousness is a tree of life” (Proverbs 11:30). Jesus was crucified on the tree. It was a tree that was a curse. He became a curse for us, so that in Him we might have life. Jesus is our wisdom. He is our righteousness. He is that tree of life that restores hope. In Revelation, all those who are in Christ, will be able to eat from the tree of life (Revelation 2:7). In Revelation 22 the leaves of the tree of life are for the healing of the nations.
Believers do not have a hope that is dragged away; no, our is confident hope that:

• their sins are forgiven in Jesus

• their future in the presence of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit is guaranteed because of Jesus’ reconciling work

• they are already now beloved sons and daughters of God the Most High

• this world and its troubles and even severe persecutions can never separate them from the love of God that is theirs in Christ

• motivates them to live for Jesus now, bearing witness to Him in Whom all their godly desires are met and all their expectations are exceeded.

 
Father in Heaven, God of all Good, by the power of Your Spirit living in me, unhook my desires from all that is lowly, earthly, worldly, and less-than wholly You-focused. As I contemplate the confident hope of all the blessings already mine in Christ, and all those to be mine in Christ at the Day of Judgment, let the extravagant wonder of belonging to You in Christ fill my thoughts, guard me against sin, and direct my steps. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/igV63aKSqb8?si=dG7hPZWZVsDC72P- Spirit of God
 

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July 11, 2026 -- Proverbs 13:11 -- Why is this happening to me?

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Wealth gained hastily will dwindle,
but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.
Proverbs 13:11 ESV
 
Who gathers wealth little by little? It is the hard worker who puts a little money aside each month and watches it grow. Because he has carefully gathered it, he will be frugal and wise in spending it. Honest work and careful money management lead to wise living. As some of you may know, discipline in one area of life will inevitably lead to discipline in other areas of life.
 
No doubt you have read of lottery winners who have suddenly gained wealth and then lost it. Or experienced other troubles. You can find all kinds of on-line advice regarding the challenges you’ll face. Friends will hound you for cash. You’ll get bewildered wanting to make purchases like large homes, forgetting expensive long-term implications like heating bills, water bills, and property taxes. You’ll get isolated from your community because you have money while your friends do not, so your travel plans, life-style choices and so on will be far too rich for the people you used to spend time with. Why mention such things?
 
The believer in Jesus Christ knows that riches or poverty, health or sickness, all things in life do not befall him by chance but are injected into life by the Father’s ever-present power and all-wise knowledge. He rules every part of the believer’s life. He considers a man’s sin and its consequences. He allows believers to backslide, even as He has them bound to Himself by the cords of His love and the dynamic Spirit living within every believer.
 
This does make the believer lazy or careless. No way!

1. Believers are men and women of thankfulness. The knowledge the watchful care of their Father in heaven leads them to honour God in every aspect of life.

2. Believers know the hard circumstances of life are training grounds for prayer and increasing one’s trust in the Lord. In fact, isn’t it true, the harder your circumstances, the greater is the likelihood you’ll be praying? The easier life is, the greater is the likelihood you’ll slide past intense prayer times?

3. Believers realize all that they have, like time and skills, money and opportunity, are all given by God so that whatever they have can be shared with those in need. And, if a believer is in need, he learns the humble necessity of asking for help from fellow Christians. That lesson will increase his understanding how hard it is to ask for help. Knowing this, teaches him to become a kinder giver to others in need of help.

4. Believers know the present troubles of life are light and momentary, compared to the glories awaiting them in heaven.

 
Father in heaven, Your love and Your purposes are mysterious to me. By the powerful presence of Your Spirit increase my faith and develop the spiritual gift of patience. King Jesus, thank You for the fullness of Your reconciling work such that I can live with the full assurance whatever is happening in my life, God the Father is treating me with underserved kindness and tender love—all of which will be exposed and plain to me in eternity. Teach me the patience of unanswered prayer. I pray this in the Name of Jesus, in Whom I can find rest for my soul. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/igV63aKSqb8?si=QqixjYjpk1HYvFGY Spirit of God Descend Upon My Heart
 

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July 9, 2026 -- Matthew 16:24-26 -- What does it mean to follow Jesus?

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version
(Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Matthew 16:24–26.
 
Ever wonder how much money there is in the world? It has been estimated there is about 150 trillion (US) dollars. Plus, another 250 trillion or so in gold, silver etc. If you had it all, every penny of it, there’d be no profit for your soul. The greatest treasure of all time, in any age, in life and in death, is knowing Jesus Christ. How do we live so that we do not lose Jesus, the greatest treasure? He told us.

1. Deny yourself. Anything that would infer with your walk with God, even good things in this life (like studies, or jobs, or hobbies) must be set aside in favor of the greatest good: Jesus. Basically, whatever it is that your selfish impulses desire more than Jesus, this is what must be denied. In denying yourself the Spirit of God expands your capacity to live for, and serve in loving devotion to, Jesus.

2. Take up your cross. It is the willingness to endure suffering for the sake of Jesus. He led the way. He suffered mocking, hatred, and even death. Jesus taught that those who believe in Him are not greater than He is. Since He suffered, His followers will suffer as well. There are men who I’ve met in prison who’ve testified going to prison was the best blessing they could ever receive. Their sin was halted. Exposed. And they were forced to examine their lives. In the hardest place of life, Jesus proved to be the greatest blessing. This is true, at the point we pick up our cross we will find our union with Jesus is the greatest blessing ever.

3. Follow Jesus—three “w” words help here.

   1. Worship includes private devotional times, where one reads the bible, prays, gives time and treasures to God, and sings to God. Worship includes public worship in church services and Bible Study groups. God’s love is explained and God’s people respond in praise and thanks to God.

   2. Witness. When the love of God, perfectly demonstrated in Jesus, touches your heart, you can’t help but tell others. One of the more timid men in prison shared with me yesterday that others around him in prison have noticed a change in him. He attributes the change to Jesus. They are intrigued. Even though he is shy, the radiance of God’s love inevitably shines out from his life. Telling others about Jesus becomes the most natural thing ever, because He is the most important Person ever.

   3. Work. In public and in private, at your workplace, school, leisure, night and day, you live for Jesus. All your life is focused on this one goal: living for Jesus. That is what it means to follow Jesus.

4. Prepare for His return. There is a finish line, a goal in all of this, that is living knowing Jesus will return. When He does, the weight of everything you’ve given up serving Him will seem light and momentary, in view of the weight of glory in store for you in eternity. When Jesus returns, all wrongs will be made right. All injustices will be addressed. It is a moment of terrible justice, and great glory. His people will stand and shout: it was worth it. Every moment of it. Martyrs will cheer the blessedness of God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit.

 
GLORIOUS GOD,
 It is the flame of my life to worship thee,
the crown and glory of my soul to adore thee,
heavenly pleasure to approach thee.
Give me power by the Spirit to help me worship now,
that I may forget the world,
be brought into the fullness of life,
be refreshed, comforted, blessed.
Give me knowledge of thy goodness
that I might not be over-awed by they greatness;
Give me Jesus, Son of Man, Son of God,
that I might not be terrified,
but drawn near with filial love,
with holy boldness;
He is my Mediator, Brother, Interpreter, Branch, Daysman, Lamb;
him I glorify, in him I am set on high.
Crowns to give I have none
but what thou hast given I return, content to feel that
everything is mine when it is thine
and the more fully mine when I have yielded it to thee.
Let me live wholly to my Saviour,
free from distractions, from ^carking care,
from hindrances to the pursuit of the narrow way.
I am pardoned through the blood of Jesus-
give me a new sense of it,
continue to pardon me by it,
may I come every day to the fountain,
and every day to be washed anew, that I may worship thee always
 in spirit and truth.
 
^carking care: distressing or worrisome cares
 
Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions, “Worship”. Editor A. Bennet: Carlisle, PA: THE BANNER OF TRUTH TRUST, 2020 edition, page 358
 
https://youtu.be/TpELMk4-3n8?si=Bjk9mLsSDqrhgMAs O Lord, My Rock and My Redeemer
 

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July 7, 2026 -- Proverbs 13:10 -- Living in True Community

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

By insolence comes nothing but strife,
but with those who take advice is wisdom.
Proverbs 13:10 ESV
 
Who is the insolent person? One who is unable to take advice or correction. His sneering behavior breaks community. There is a defensive rudeness that surrounds him in posture and speech. Strife follows as those who’ve experienced the rudeness of the insolent person. It draws out a reaction which includes matching rudeness for rudeness.
 
It is a bit harder to get a handle on the second phrase. Those who take advice are the people who, when corrected, when their sins are pointed out to them, will receive it humbly. The Amplified Bible translates it this way: “But [skillful and godly] wisdom is with those who welcome [well-advised] counsel.”
 
A friend of mine, who spends a lot of time with his grandson, had just explained to his grandson the importance of truth-telling. A little while later his grandson caught him in a lie. Rather than blowing up or getting defensive (displaying insolence to his tender grandson); he admitted his error and asked for forgiveness and did what he could to undo the impact of the lie. Why mention this? Well, living with an attitude that welcomes counsel can only be instilled in us by a living, active relationship with God.
 
God our Father uses the most unlikely people and circumstances to correct us. Are you open to hearing His reproof given to you through the person of His choosing? Jesus made the way open for us to live in community. As we are forgiven in Christ, so we extend to and receive from one another forgiveness. The Holy Spirit brings people together into true community humbling and gifting us so that we can both offer and receive golden, godly wisdom from one another.
 
Father in heaven, thank You for Your tender, persistent, lovingkindness mixed with patience, which lifts me from the stupor of insolence. Thank You for the people You have put into my life who can comment and correct me and then celebrate with me the changes brought about through Jesus’ reconciling work. Ah, faithful God, lead us in community so that we will grow and mature in Christ. Thank You, glorious Father, for the gift of the Holy Spirit, through Whom we are knit together and enabled to sharpen one another for holy service. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/u-ZAQwXZ7YQ?si=7jPgbkyfAYaosKeu Lord of Eternity
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

July 6, 2026 -- Proverbs 13:6 -- Spiritual guardrails in your life

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless,
but sin overthrows the wicked. Proverbs 13:6 ESV
 
Dear brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ, as you read Proverbs with me, you’ll see how verses from previous passages, placed next to current passages, can bless the reader and give deeper clarity on what was written. For example, as you read today’s passage, you might ask how is it that righteousness guards him whose way is blameless? Solomon wrote “keep your father’s commandment” and “forsake not your mother’s teaching” (6:20) then he added:
When you walk, they (your father’s commandments/your mother’s teaching) will lead you;
when you lie down, they will watch over you;
when you awake, they will talk with you. (Proverbs 6:22 ESV)
 
All of us have a “soundtrack” running through our brains. It is the constant narrative of approval, disapproval, disappointment, bad self-talk and so on. What does the Word of God do? It is instruction in holiness, a.k.a. righteousness which is Spirit-fueled holiness acted our in our daily life. Righteousness is the clothing of Jesus’ perfect obedience given to us when He took our sin, our guilt, our past and our shame and was punished for these at the cross. Righteousness is the desire then to go where the Spirit leads us as we live in obedience to Jesus.
 
Think of how often you lie down on the couch to watch a movie which is violent, or contrary to God’s Word. Or spend hours gaming while your children are missing out on precious time with dad or mom…or worse, learning by your example to game and shut out the world. The commandments of God and the teaching of your mother when these are heard and put into practice lead you in the way of life in Christ.
 
Of course, I know I have readers who did not, or do not have godly fathers or mothers. Then the reference goes to the person, or people God placed in your life who are serving in their stead. Your spiritual father, or your spiritual mother, the ones who led you in the way of God, their instruction in the ways of God will be clear direction in life.
 
Think about how radically your life changes if you were to listen more closely to the words of life given to you in the Bible! It is righteousness that guards you in the way that is blameless. It is righteousness that shines like the dawn, bringing more light as the day progresses, drawing others to the light of Christ radiating outwards from the Spirit’s presence in you.
 
Father in heaven, thank You for the righteousness that is mine in Christ. Thank You for the wholesome work of the Spirit, Who is guarding me in the way that is blameless. Forgive me for the times I chafe against the cords of Your lovingkindness and push against the guardrails of Your protection around me. Mighty God, fill my thoughts, to fullness and overflowing, with the awareness of Your majesty, Your goodness, Your love, Your compassion, so that I will always want to be, and will always be guarded in my every step with You. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/CmNXeReZqAg?si=_djfMS2p2Mr-U4c- Be Still My Soul
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

July 5, 2026 -- Matthew 16:15 -- How do you answer the question: "Who is Jesus"?

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am? Matthew 16:15 ESV
 
Have you explored Who Jesus Is? Yes, you individually, have you asked that question? Have you turned over that question in your mind and pondered it in your heart? The way you answer the question informs how you live. If you think of Jesus merely as fire insurance, that is, as the One Who keeps you from hell while basically allowing you to do your own thing, you have not answered the question correctly.

1. Those who are part of the Church of Jesus the Messiah, are those who speak His Name with adoration. To break out into songs declaring His goodness. Public worship draws you in, because you love to meet with other believers. You listen to sermons because you know the word as it is explained helps you to know Jesus, upon Whom the whole bible is centred. You have morning, or evening devotions, that is bible reading and prayer—because your life is bound up with Jesus.

2. Believers in Jesus Christ, know that their past sinful lives will have a strong pull on their current lives. Sin is pleasurable. The devil was never a dummy. He’ll wave before your eyes the pleasures of sin. Speak to your mind about how you’re missing out if you obey Jesus, instead of indulging your whims and following through on your pleasurable temptations. Those who believe in Jesus hear the temptations of the devil and know those are vicious lies which would lead a follower of Jesus to slide from Him into the ways of wickedness. To obey the tempter is to bring disgrace and discredit to the Name of Jesus. But as we noted in the first point, the adoration of Jesus, thinking about His greatness and His love that rescued us from our sin, leads us to hate our sin and begin to walk in the way of salvation.

3. Those who answer the question correctly, knowing Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, bear witness to His goodness. They can’t help but declare His goodness. It is obvious even to the men who are incarcerated. I have guys who are always inviting others to come to chapel services or Overcomers Meetings. They are aware of the goodness of God and can’t help but make sure others know the invitation is open. This is the work of God in the life of those to whom the Spirit of God has revealed Jesus as precious, glorious, the Redeemer.

 
Jesus, You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Let that confession of Who You are always be a source of joyful contemplation for me, and the awe-filled reason motivating wholehearted obedient service to You. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/srZ9IGsFy4o?si=uXwOzWwfu7ssU1nd Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
 

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July 4, 2026 -- Matthew 16:1-4 -- The most unlikely converts

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ 3 And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. 4 An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” So he left them and departed.
Matthew 16:1-4 ESV
 
The Pharisees and Sadducees had witnessed miracles already. The sick were healed, the lame walked, the blind had their eyes opened, and demons were cast out of those who’d been possessed. So, what would be a greater sign from heaven? The greatest sign was standing right in front of them: Jesus the Son of God, incarnate. He is the love of God sent from heaven to rescue lost and ruined sinners. They missed the sign. Worse, they refused to acknowledge Jesus!
 
What is the “sign of Jonah?” He was a prophet who didn’t preach to the nation of Israel, because the hardness of the people’s hearts. They wouldn’t listen. He was sent to Nineveh—the enemies of God’s people. The hardness of Israel’s heart provided opportunity for Gentiles, non-Jewish people, to receive the word of the LORD and repent. And, in fact, the Ninevites did receive the love of God. It was recorded that the Ninevites, from the king on his throne, to the most menial worker, all repented.
 
It serves as a warning to us today. Is you heart open to the Gospel? Are you listening to Jesus? Or is your heart hard to the Gospel message? I urge you, recognize Jesus as the ultimate sign from heaven, the greatest evidence EVER of the radiant love of God. Open your heart, and your arms, to the most unexpected converts. (Let’s face it, if God set His love on you, why wouldn’t He love others as well? God is in the business of saving sinners.) Jonah himself was hardened. He was so upset that God in His great mercy had saved his enemies, the Ninevites. (Now, who does that sound like? You? Me? Of course it does. How do we know for sure that Jonah repented and changed his ways? Jonah wrote the prophetic book which is in the Old Testament, the one which bears his name, Jonah. He was a stubborn prophet, whose heart was changed by the lovingkindness of God, and he had to tell everyone.
 
Merciful Father in heaven, thank You for Jesus, the sign from heaven, Who radiates Your love and justice. Spirit of God, open our hearts to every person You bring to our fellowships, missions and churches. Forgive us the many times we have tried to shut the door behind us, unwilling to see Your saving grace reach the people we think are our enemies. Let our hearts be filled with the mercy of our Father in heaven, our minds ready to disciple others in the way of Jesus, and by the Spirit’s work in us, disciple one another until we all grow up into Christ, the Head. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/BY6VAy9y_iQ?si=KEnAUMnnI7vkrD1x Jesus, Friend of Sinners
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

June 30, 2026 -- Proverbs 13:5 -- Falsehood, you say you hate it, but do you really?

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

The righteous hates falsehood,
but the wicked brings shame and disgrace.
Proverbs 13:5 ESV
 
Falsehood obviously means false words. But it also means false actions, whatever is not in line with the Word and will of God. It is hypocrisy in any form. This is particularly painful for me as Christian denominations send missionaries around the globe, excited for new converts, while at the same time are false in their treatment of converts at home. As a missionary to the prisons, this is my painful experience. Men and women who have made credible professions of faith to Jesus, have been excluded from churches. Such actions bring shame and disgrace to glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.
 
This month’s Table Talk focuses on the theme of spiritual gifts. Jonathan Landry Cruse comments:
So it is the Spirit who does the work of forming the church. Interestingly, He includes
in the membership of the church people that you and I would easily disregard. Paul says that we are all baptized into one body, whether “Jews or Greeks, slaves or free.” These were the greatest divides in the ancient world, the people who held one another in greatest disdain. Who are those for you? Whoever they are, it is not beyond the Spirit to bring them into the church with you, or you into the church with them.
Table Talk, ed. Thomas Brewer. July 2026, Vol.50, No. 7, “Many Members, One Body”, J. L. Cruse, page 8.
It is my experience that the leaders and members of local “Christian” churches are the most prejudiced against those who have been incarcerated. Whereas Jews and Greeks, slaves or free used to be the classes of people who received greatest disdain in the ancient world, today, those who are, or who have been incarcerated, are treated with greatest contempt. What is worse, those who have made a credible profession of faith while incarcerated, are nevertheless ignored by many congregations. It is actively bringing shame to the lovely work of Christ at the cross. It grieves me deeply, knowing that the Spirit’s sanctification and giftings given to currently and formerly incarcerated men and women could open for local congregations whole new opportunities for gospel growth; but their contribution is treated with disgrace. As was required in ancient times, so is required today, may God’s Spirit break our stubborn pride, plow up our entrenched fears, and allow the reconciling grace of Jesus Christ to move among us all.
 
Father in heaven, thank You for the reconciling grace of Jesus Christ by which Your Spirit plowed up the hard ground of our own hearts and planted in us the powerful seed of the word. Thank You for Your patience with us, hardened sinners, better suited for hell than for the pews, which would not let us go until wretches such as we have become believers whose only boast is in Christ. Forgive us, patient Sovereign, for holding out one hand to receive more grace, while with the other we strive to firmly close the door in the face of others who frighten us, those who are not like us, or those who would change us. Give us to the holy confidence that You know Your holy purposes. Teach us humbleness of heart so that we will welcome all You bring to us and with them, we would grow in maturity in Christ, Who is the Head of the Church. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/-44GH3NhdIA?si=MgYCbLFFEB-sAYJx I Asked the Lord that I Might Grow
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

June 29, 2026 -- Proverbs 13:1 -- The power of an appropriate rebuke

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

A wise son hears his father’s instruction,
but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
Proverbs 13:1 ESV
 
Why do Christians need to be rebuked? BTW, to be rebuked is to receive sharp disapproval, or strong words of correction. Think about who is writing this proverb. King Solomon. His heart was led astray by his 700 wives and 300 concubines. For them he built temples and altars to pagan gods. He knows whereof he speaks when he wrote “a scoffer does not listen to rebuke”. I wonder how many of his officials and priests railed against him for these wicked projects? He ignored them.
 
Sin skews our sense of right and wrong. It is such a basic truth, but it plays out so obviously in real life. Sin collapses reality so that more Sin seems inconsequential. Praise God for the clarity of the Word.
 
Where do you need to be rebuked? Where are you allowing sin to gain a foothold, while simultaneously ignoring what you know is right? In Matthew 4, Jesus’ first preached words were “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). If you know where you’re ignoring wise instruction, turn from that sin and return to God. The grace of God is such He will, by the Spirit’s work convict you of sin while presenting to you Jesus Christ. Jesus was punished in your place for your sin, and His righteousness has been imputed to you. Receive it with thanksgiving as you glorify God.
 
My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine;
for thee all the follies of sin I resign;
my gracious Redeemer, my Savior art thou;
if ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.
   Stanza 1, My Jesus I Love Thee
   Attributed to William R. Featherston (Canada, 1846-1873)
 
https://youtu.be/4oVwY8q31s0?si=vi-U-a4VnlursGE9 My Jesus I Love Thee
 

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June 28, 2026 -- Matthew 15:29 -- After brokenness, full, wonderful restoration

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Jesus went on from there and walked beside the Sea of Galilee. And he went up on the mountain and sat down there.

Matthew 15:29 ESV
 
Jesus is by the Sea of Galilee and the mountain nearby that place is called Mt. Tabor. You wouldn’t necessarily know that place. But the Jewish people would. It is a place that is significant because the female Judge of Israel, Deborah, assembled the people at Mt. Tabor and with the general, Barak, they went on to defeat their enemies. Then their enemies were Sisera (the general of the army), the army of the Canaanites, all of whom were ruled by Israel’s enemy, King Jabin (Judges 4). It was a huge victory for the people of God and Deborah sang unto the LORD. It is the picture of God’s people rescued by God appropriately celebrating His goodness.
 
However, Mt. Tabor is also a place of humiliation and defeat. According to the prophet Hosea, Mt. Tabor is the place where the people spread out offerings in their worship to false gods. They shamefully bowed themselves to the very gods who in the past had been defeated by the LORD. Mt. Tabor became a place of humiliation. It was a place of historic shame that reverberated to the present. Why would Jesus go there?
 
Jesus saves the people who can’t save themselves. He goes up that mountain of shame, of defeat, to bring His victory to the place of Israel’s humiliation and wickedness. The people were locked in their union with evil and Jesus broke the curse. He preached (which is what is indicated when he sat down—the posture of preachers in those days). He broke the curse as He healed all those brought to Him. As it was then, so it is today, Jesus frees His people from the curse of sin. He lifts the eyes of His people from condemnation and shame and grants them a measure of glory. In Jesus Christians are counted as sons and daughters of the Living God. In Jesus Christians are given the powerful Holy Spirit to live in them so that sin can not rule believers and cast them back to everlasting ruin. In Jesus believers recognize the very sins which once held them captive, the source of their shame, has become the place where the power of God was made evident and it is the place where they declare:
I bless You, O Lord, my God. You have rescued me from death.
You have broken the curse of sin and shame.
You have reconciled me to Yourself through Jesus.
You have given me new life.
Blessed be Your Name O God, because added to all these great blessings You have added the gift of the Holy Spirit, by Whom I am united to You, so that Satan can never again control my life.
Glorious Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the crowning blessing of all, is to belong to You, and be secure in the knowledge that eternity will be such joy indescribable and wondrous because it will be the place where I can fully be in Your presence. You Yourself, Mighty God, are the richest blessing. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/4oVwY8q31s0?si=Okkbvwuz7LmpgneT My Jesus, I Love Thee
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.